Qatar midfielder Assim Madibo has been suspended for five matches following the challenge that resulted in a serious injury to Canada midfielder Ismaël Koné during the FIFA World Cup.



Madibo received a straight red card after the incident in Canada's emphatic 6-0 victory over Qatar in Vancouver last Thursday.

In a statement, the FIFA disciplinary committee confirmed that the five-match suspension was imposed for serious foul play. The governing body also noted that the decision remains subject to appeal.

Canada's historic first-ever World Cup victory was overshadowed by the injury to Koné, who was stretchered off the pitch following the challenge. Medical examinations later confirmed that the midfielder had suffered fractures to both the tibia and fibula in his left leg, requiring surgery.

The incident occurred in the 51st minute when Koné was tackled from behind by Madibo. Players from both teams immediately signaled for medical attention as the Canadian international lay on the ground in visible pain.

Despite the severity of the challenge, Madibo appeared deeply distressed by the outcome and personally apologized to Koné after the match.

Following successful surgery, Koné expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from fans, teammates, and well-wishers.

"You can't even imagine how grateful I am to everyone who reached out and that has me in their prayers," he wrote in a post on Instagram.

Meanwhile, Qatar's World Cup campaign came to an end on Wednesday following a defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team, resulting in their elimination from the tournament.